1
obsolete
: dangerously shrewd or cunning
2
: full of danger or risk
parlously
adverb
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Parlous is both a synonym and a derivative of perilous; it came to be as an alteration of perilous in Middle English. (Perilous is derived from the Anglo-French perilleus, which ultimately comes from the Latin word for "danger," perīculum.) Both words are documented in use from at least the 14th century. Seven centuries later, both remain in steady use, often modifying state or times; however, perilous is, by far, the preferred synonym. More than likely, this is from having the familiar peril as a base.
Synonyms
Examples of parlous in a Sentence
The company is in a parlous financial situation.
He talked about the parlous state of the country.
Recent Examples on the Web
The vibe in front of the White House was its own uniquely 2024 mix—part dance party, part lecture on the parlous state of democracy.
—
Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 31 Oct. 2024
The movie examines the experiences of four Mexican journalists to illustrate the parlous state of the press in Mexico, where at least 165 journalists have been killed or gone missing since 1992.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024
The second reason why Starmer cannot ignore the parlous state of the union is the strong connection between power and prosperity.
—Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024
Given the parlous state of Pyongyang’s relations with Washington and Seoul since the failure of the Hanoi summit in 2019, there are few guardrails in place to prevent complex situations from spiraling out of control.
—Sue Mi Terry, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2024
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Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 31 Oct. 2024
The movie examines the experiences of four Mexican journalists to illustrate the parlous state of the press in Mexico, where at least 165 journalists have been killed or gone missing since 1992.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024
The second reason why Starmer cannot ignore the parlous state of the union is the strong connection between power and prosperity.
—Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024
Given the parlous state of Pyongyang’s relations with Washington and Seoul since the failure of the Hanoi summit in 2019, there are few guardrails in place to prevent complex situations from spiraling out of control.
—Sue Mi Terry, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for parlous
Dictionary Entries Near parlous
Cite this Entry
“Parlous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parlous. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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